Ex-Grizzlies Star Jaren Jackson Shared Devastating Tribute For Brandon Clarke

The sudden, tragic passing of Memphis Grizzlies star Brandon Clarke has left the team and the wider sports world shaken. But few were as shaken as his former teammate and friend, Jaren Jackson Jr.

In a post on Instagram, the Utah Jazz forward shared a tearful message and tribute to his former Grizzlies teammate. Jackson described Clarke as a brother and a friend who meant more to him off the court than anything.

"I couldn't imagine a world where this was even a possibility," Jackson wrote on Instagram. "I love you forever brothers, this is absolutely devastating. I just wish I could talk to you.

"You were so much to so many and even more to me. I will never have the words to describe what this feels like. I still can't believe this. To your family and friends and everyone you were always a light and you were always so genuine and real and our friendship went far beyond anything on the court.

"I truly lost my twin. I'm going to be talking to you always. You will be forever loved and forever missed."

Clarke and Jackson were teammates in Memphis from Clarke's arrival in 2019 until Jackson's trade to Utah this past February. The duo played hundreds of games together during that span.

The Tragedy

Clarke was a star at Gonzaga during the 2018-19 season, winning conference Defensive Player of the Year and All-American honors while helping the team reach the Elite Eight. He went No. 21 overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 NBA Draft and went to the Grizzlies in a trade.

As a member of the Grizzlies, Clarke was as solid off the bench as anyone could ask of a forward, starting 50 of 309 games over seven years and averaging 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

Clarke passed away this past Monday in Los Angeles. He was 29 years old.

Though the cause of his death has yet to be announced, it is currently being investigated as a possible overdose.

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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 11:21 AM.